This is a trichomonad parasite that may produce chronic diarrhea
in humans, and can be isolated from the large intestines of cats,
dogs, non-human primates and guinea pigs. In fact, a recent report
(Romatowski, 2000) described chronic diarrhea induced by Pentatrichomonas
hominis infection in 4 kittens. The zoonotic potential of this
organism remains to be fully determined.
Tritrichomonas fetus
This agent of venereal trichomoniasis in cattle has recently
been shown in an experimental infection study to cause diarrhea
in cats and may need to considered as potentially zoonotic.
- Note: cases of Pentatrichomonas hominis described
in cats may actually be Tritrichomonas fetus.
Enterocytozoon bieneusi
This organism is a common cause of diarrheal disease in immunocompromised
human patients and it has recently been shown through phylogenetic
analyses that isolates from humans, cats, pigs and cattle are
closely related.
